Do you remember......that first time?

GMMAT · 08-18-2008, 08:33 AM

I remember Germ telling me, one time, ......

There are "mature bucks"....and there are "deer".

I hunted for nearly 2 seasons seeing "deer".....and then I saw "one". That's when I named the buck "the bull". He got that name, not only due to his body size (compared to other 'deer').....but because of the manner in which he carried himself. He came in like he owned the place....because he probably DID.

I understand why some of you hunt these guys exclusively.....and I hope I can get to the point, someday, when I ONLY seek these guys out. It sounds VERY "cliche'", but it's exhillerating just to be in their presence. You guys who get to see a lot of these animals ......I can say that this is the ONLY thing I'm "jealous" of in regards to another hunter.....kill him (the deer)or not.

If you haven't been in the presence of one, yet.....I wish you luck.It's an altering experience......and I can see why a lot of you pursue ONLY these animals (as was said, earlier).

With the season looming......I'd forego the taking of a buck, period, if I knew I could SEE one or two of these animals. The only sensation that comes to mind is.....you feel like an intruder.

Drivel, sure

.....but I think about this all the time.

Bowman4440 · 08-18-2008, 08:38 AM

Ive been hunting since i was 10 (this will be my 9th season) I have never seen a "mature" buck. Biggest deer i have ever seen/shot was a nice 2.5 year old 8pt probably scored around 60 or 70". Im actually going to try and go score him now. I jsut hope that this season i get to see one of these guys

Pope94/IA · 08-18-2008, 08:43 AM

I've seentwo mature bucks in the past 4 years of bowhunting.One of which was fighting a younger buck over a doe. The other was just a quick glance 200 yards out and there he was trauting accross the field.

Double Creek · 08-18-2008, 08:53 AM

I agree... Havinga mature buck in bow range will change you as a hunter.

I usually average seeing one a season but the last several years have been big ol' goose eggs.

Siman08/OH · 08-18-2008, 08:59 AM

Yes Jeff, i do. Up until last year, i had see mature bucks in the far distance or in fields at night. But one day last year i left my stand early because i had somewhere to be, and on my walk out, i stopped by the spot that i killed my first buck. As i stood looking around, i noticed movement about75 yards away in a grown up field. Asi concentrated more on it, i realized it was a monster buck. He was out past his ears and tall too, and i knew that he was looking directly at me. After a few moments he walked off into the brush but i stood there with my heart pounding. That was the first time i had seen a mature buck semi close while hunting.

OHbowhntr · 08-18-2008, 09:01 AM

Jeff,
They are certainly a sight to behold and an animal that commands respect. While hunting from the ground last year, I had and encounter with a dandy that was just a bit smarter than the rest of the herd. While 6 of them walked right on by me, he just sensed that the blob of camo at the base of the tree I was hunkered down under just wasn't quite right and whilst his "friends" carried on by me, he took the high road and busted me out. At probably 150" a good solid moderate heavy mass 10pt probably a 5.5 yr. old deer. His swagger was totally different than anything else in the woods. And he's still alive for me to try to greet this year, but this time I'll be 18-20ft above the ground.

txjourneyman · 08-18-2008, 09:01 AM

I hope this is the year I get to experience that feeling. With the new properties I have to hunt It may just happen.

NY Bowhunter · 08-18-2008, 09:30 AM

Quote:

I agree... Havinga mature buck in bow range will change you as a hunter.

I couldn't agree more. The first encounter with a mature buck puts a whole new perspective on things. It really changed me as a hunter because that's where I put my emphasis from then on.

Quote:

I usually average seeing one a season but the last several years have been big ol' goose eggs.

That's the other side of the coin [:-][8D] Seeking these creatures out can lead to seasons of "goose eggs". But it's still way cool trying.

virginiashadow · 08-18-2008, 10:16 AM

I do remember the first time Jeff...I think I just turned 17 and she was Definitely the mature doe of her friends! Oh wait.....

rybohunter · 08-18-2008, 10:19 AM

I've grown to the point that I hold out for a nice mature buck, but it's not so much because of being "awe inspired" or anything, its just that little young bucks don't get me very excited. I don't get to have many encounters with a mature buck but that's just the way it is. The last one I killed though, put on the show of all shows before I finally arrowed him. I don't know if any other whitetail encounter will ever match it.